Star Wars: Episode VII Suddenly Has A Massive Problem With Leaked Set Photos

It’s only Tuesday, and Abrams’ Star Wars set already has been exposed twice by someone on the blockbuster’s set who has a direct line to the gossip Web site TMZ. On Monday, the site ran a slew of pics that showed huge, truck-sized puppet creatures; extras in costume; and large ships that confirm J.J. Abrams’ claims that he’s relying on full-blown, practical effects for Star Wars: Episode VII. Today, TMZ shared yet another from-the-set photo of a famous, beloved ship whose name rhymes with "Shillennium Balcon." Click this photo if you want to see the pics:

Which begs the question, "What the hell is happening on the set of J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII?" We have enjoyed writing at length about the director’s Mystery Box approach to filmmaking, cutting corners to protect secrets from media members and fans. He has said, on the record, that he’d like to protect secrets pertaining to Episode VII for die-hard Star Wars fans… but so far, he’s failing.

Production is just now underway, and photos from J.J. Abrams’ set are leaking like a busted faucet. Fans, so far, have been thrilled by the unofficial peeks at work in progress. Heck, the site of a puppet walking through the director’s Contest Pitch got rabid Star Wars fans speculating that Jim Henson’s Creature Shop might be contributing to the next sequel.

Is J.J. Abrams concerned? This seems to go against everything he has wanted to do with his productions in the past. But he has said, with regards to Star Wars, that he’d like to be a little bit more open regarding his initial venture into George Lucas’ universe, because he knows how important this franchise – and all of these films – are to fans.

What do you guys think? Are you glad that an undercover mole is sharing all of these exclusive photos from the set of Star Wars: Episode VII? Would you rather wait until December 2015? Do you think that J.J. Abrams has loosened the usual restrictions on his airtight Mystery Box approach? Weigh in, and let us know what you think.